In a remarkable display of community spirit, 94 volunteers and local leaders collaborated with Keep Wakulla County Beautiful and the U.S. Forest Service to clean up the Apalachicola National Forest on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The annual event, supported by the U.S. Forestry Service, marked the kickoff for Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup. Identifying 40 sites with excessive litter or illegal dumping, the volunteers collected 2 dumpsters full of debris, ranging from tires and furniture to appliances and more.

The Leaders Against Litter initiative, involving community leaders like Commissioner Mike Kemp, Commissioner Chuck Hess, KWCB Board member and Supervisor of Elections Joe Morgan, Property Appraiser Ed Brimner, County Administrator David Edwards, and Sopchoppy Mayor Lara Edwards, aimed to raise awareness about Florida’s litter
problem, emphasizing civic responsibility.

Tammie Nason, the Executive Director of Keep Wakulla County Beautiful, highlighted the significance of the initiative. “Keeping Florida beautiful is a civic responsibility that rests equally on all our shoulders,” she stated.

The cleanup effort contributes to Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup Pledge, striving to reduce litter by 25% across 25,000 communities by July 4, 2026, the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The focus is on grassroots community service projects engaging volunteers, businesses, and civic leaders.

The Apalachicola National Forest, spanning 573,521 acres, hosts diverse wildlife, including Florida black bears, eagles, and endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. The cleanup aims to protect this fragile environment from the direct and indirect consequences of litter.

Litter poses risks to both wildlife and the ecosystem, with toxins affecting soil and water, injuries to wildlife, and increased fire hazards. The community’s vigilance is encouraged, with a request to report any litter sites or dumping to the Wakulla Ranger District.

The success of the cleanup is attributed to the support of Wakulla County, WastePro’s donation of dumpsters, and the dedication of volunteers. As Tammie Nason expressed, “We are so fortunate to have the beauty of the forest and its wildlife right here and accessible to us. It is such a shame that not everyone respects our fragile environment.”
The call to action remains for everyone to play their part in preserving the natural treasures that surround us.

1/20/24- In a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, road adopters, dedicated volunteers, and Keep Wakulla County Beautiful (KWCB) board members joined forces to clean up over 4 miles of MLK Jr. Road on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The collective efforts resulted in the removal of over 200 pounds of trash, transforming the roadway into a cleaner and more welcoming space.

Lewis and Marty Deangelis, proud road adopters, took on the responsibility of cleaning their adopted section with unwavering dedication. Their efforts not only contributed to the overall success of the cleanup but also set an inspiring example for others in the community.

Waste Pro, a local waste management company, demonstrated corporate responsibility by actively participating in the cleanup. They focused on their adopted section, diligently clearing the area from Alexander Rd to Yupon Dr., extending past the landfill. Waste Pro’s commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of their adopted road section reflects a commendable partnership between businesses and the community.

The heart of the cleanup operation was led by the KWCB and a team of enthusiastic volunteers. Taking charge from the Courthouse intersection to Alexander Rd, they worked tirelessly to ensure a thorough cleanup of the designated stretch. Their collective efforts not only beautified the surroundings but also fostered a sense of community pride and shared responsibility.

The MLK Day Cleanup not only achieved its goal of enhancing the aesthetics of MLK Jr. Road but also served as a testament to the power of community collaboration. The diverse group of participants, including road adopters, volunteers, and board members, showcased the strength that emerges when individuals unite for a common cause.

Local residents and businesses alike are commending these efforts, expressing gratitude for the positive impact on the community. The success of this cleanup initiative serves as a reminder that small actions, when multiplied, can create significant positive change. The spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. was undoubtedly present as the community came together to make a lasting difference in their own backyard.

The recent KWCB Tire Amnesty Event, held on January 20, 2024, was a resounding success, made possible through the generous funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FL DEP). Marpan played a vital role by providing dumpsters, and the total weight of collected tires came in at almost 7 tons, showcasing the community’s commitment to responsible waste disposal.

To manage the overwhelming response, KWCB collaborated with the County transfer station and Waste Pro to ensure efficient handling of the tire overflow. This collaborative effort demonstrated the strength of partnerships in addressing environmental challenges.

The success of the tire amnesty event was part of a broader, impactful week for the Wakulla environment. Volunteers and road adopters kicked off the week by cleaning MLK Jr Blvd., followed by a tree planting at Medart Park organized by the Wakulla Garden Club. The Arbor Day tree giveaway added to the week’s positive momentum.

“Stay green Wakulla” echoes the community’s dedication to environmental consciousness, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Wakulla County.